Axle Ratio Question

[Chaparralman1974]

So, my 67 K20 has a rear axle ratio of 4.57 (Eaton HO52) and the front original dana 44 closed knuckle is a 4.55. Is it normal to have different ratios front to rear even though they are this close? I swapped out the old dana 44 with a later model (1973 with open knuckles) but it came with 4.10 gears in it. I was originally thinking that since this was the front axle and not used all the time anyway that I could get away with just swapping the entire carrier out of the old axle along with the pinion shaft. I know that you shouldn't re-use gears, but does it matter with the front axle since it is not driven all the time? If I can't do that, then I can swap in new gears but I believe that it would be 4.56's at that point as I don't even know if I can find 4.55's anymore or not (haven't really looked all that hard). Or does it even matter????


Thanks, Clay

[b454rat]

Yeah they are close enough not make a difference. You can use the 4.10 front axle, but wouldn't use the 4wd, ever, in less in an extreme emergency. I'd swap the rear axle for a later model, or you could use the 4.56s out of the front of your current axle, they should swap over....

[kwmech]

All the early front Dana 44 stuff will swap around. So yes you can swap the gears if you want. Putting used gears in the front is not a big deal. Before removing them clean them as best as you can and get a pattern and backlash reading. Match it as close as you can in the different housing and you'll be ok

[Chaparralman1974]

Ok, thanks for the information! I still may just spring for some new gears as they don't seem to be that expensive, but it sounds like I will be ok either way.


Clay

[cbeerman]

FYI the carrier break on a Dana 44 is 3.73&down and 3.92&up so being you already have 4.10s you won't have to worry about changing it.

[Chaparralman1974]

Originally Posted by cbeerman

FYI the carrier break on a Dana 44 is 3.73&down and 3.92&up so being you already have 4.10s you won't have to worry about changing it.

Thanks Chuck! After sleeping on it, I think that I am going to just bite the bullet and order a new ring and pinion. I will also just get a master install kit as well and change out everything.


Clay